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Ancestry UK

St Jude's Home and Industrial School, Chelsea, London

The St Jude's Home and Industrial School was established in 1861. On December 22nd, 1864, its premises at 3 (later 9) Franklin's Row, Chelsea, were certified to house 42 girls aged from 6 to 13, including those committed there by magistrates' courts. Voluntary cases were admitted for a payment of £12 (later £16) a year which included board, lodging, schooling, industrial training, and clothing. Girls stayed at the school until about the age of 16. Girls suffering from fits, idiocy, or scrofula were not admitted.

Girls at the school were prepared for domestic service and trained in needlework, washing and laundry work, and — reflecting the school proximity to the Thames — shrimp picking. The older girls did all the work of the house, including the washing and cooking, and also made their own clothing.

In around 1895, the girls and their long-serving matron, Miss Elizabeth Sullivan, moved to new premises at 49 Dagnall Park, Selhurst.

St Jude's Industrial School premises, c.1904. © Peter Higginbotham

In 1904, the school was taken over by the Waifs and Strays Society and became the St Jude's Home for Girls.

The Franklin's Row premises no longer survive and the Burton Court flats now occupy the site.

Records

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  • None identfied at present — any information welcome.

Bibliography

  • None identified at present.

Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.